Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Why Make This Recipe

Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in a way that grips the senses. The juicy ham pairs perfectly with the sweet pineapple and the rich glaze made from brown sugar and mustard. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that brightens up any dinner table, whether it’s a regular family meal or a special occasion. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to use leftover ham.

How to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Ingredients:

600 grams cooked ham, diced
1 can (570 grams) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 60 milliliters juice)
110 grams brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon or yellow mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
60 milliliters reserved pineapple juice
0.25 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Set the oven to 190°C. Lightly grease a 33×23-centimeter baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, reserved pineapple juice, and ground cloves until smooth and glossy.
Arrange the diced ham and drained pineapple chunks evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the prepared glaze over the ham and pineapple. Gently stir to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the edges are caramelized and golden.
Serve hot, accompanied by steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad as desired.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake is best served hot straight from the oven. You can pair it with a variety of sides such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The dish is versatile, and you can easily customize the sides based on your preference or what you have available.

How to Store Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham Bake

Make sure your ham is already cooked, as this recipe is designed to heat it through rather than cook it.
Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your taste.
If you love spices, you can increase the ground cloves or add other spices you enjoy.

Variation

If you want to try something a little different, you can experiment with adding other fruits, like peach or mango, along with the pineapple. You could also swap the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different flavor twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple chunks instead of canned. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Is it necessary to use mustard in the glaze?
While mustard adds a nice tang to the glaze, you can skip it if you prefer. The dish will still taste good without it.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and keep it covered in the fridge for one day before baking. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for a bit before putting it in the oven.